St. Lawrence Island

an island in the northern Bering Sea, off the southeastern coast of the Chukchi Peninsula. A part of the USA. Area, 4,900 sq km. Population, more than 700 (1970). The island is low, with isolated volcanic uplands rising to 673 m. Tundra vegetation prevails. Local industry is based on the exploitation of marine mammals. The main populated areas are Gambell and Savoonga. St. Lawrence Island was discovered by the Russian navigator V. Bering in 1728.